Bhabha and electronics

This article surveys the impact of Homi Bhabha’s visio­nary initiatives in the area of electronics in India. We begin by surveying the early years at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai and the Atomic Energy Establishment at Trombay that nucleated these activities and gave shape to Bhabha’s conviction on the importance of electronics for the growth of science and technology and nuclear energy in the country. We trace the evolution of indigenous technology in the areas of nuclear electronics, instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants, and assess their impact. This is followed by a review of the role of the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd in the growth of indigenous electronics in the country. We conclude with an appraisal of the current state of electronics in India.